David Haye got his predictions about Deontay Wilder’s chin very wrong in a live televised clip that has resurfaced and gone viral.
It’s no secret that Haye has always been an advocate for all things Wilder, having struck up a friendship with the American slugger during his early days as a professional.
Wilder embarked on a European tour to earn his sparring stripes and shared the ring with many top heavyweights, including Haye and Wladimir Klitschko.
However, it was never plain sailing for Wilder’s reputation upon his return. Video of both sparring sessions somehow made it to the light of day. Wilder was subsequently ridiculed despite going on to win the WBC heavyweight title.
Haye, who was seen battering “The Bronze Bomber” around the ring for a few minutes in London, wouldn’t have a bad word said against Wilder.
In fact, he was Wilder’s biggest UK supporter ahead of his rematch with Tyson Fury in 2020.
At the time, Haye assured the public that Wilder had a chin. “The Hayemaker” stated on his BT Sport platform that Fury would struggle to put Wilder down.
Can Deontay Wilder take a punch?
Despite vouching for Wilder’s ability to sustain punishment, Haye has since been forced to eat his words. Fury put Wilder on the canvas no fewer than six times in their next two bouts.
Looking back at Haye’s statements, it does make tough viewing for the two-weight world ruler.
“One thing people don’t mention is the punch resistance. I’ve never heard anyone say he [Deontay] can take a shot. He can take a shot,” Haye told Richie Woodall in a BT Sport breakdown of Wilder vs Fury II.
“I’ve given him some digs and buzzed him a bit. But he’s been back wanting more. Not only has he got a good chin – his recovery power is great.
“Most people you hit with one shot, and their legs go a little bit. They are not quite the same. They step back, which takes a few rounds, but he’s straight back on it.
“I remember thinking, ‘he can punch. He can take a shot. Once he gets his technique sorted out, which he has now as he’s the heavyweight champion of the world.
“I always knew this kid, as he was then, was going to be something special.”
To Haye’s credit, he did get the recovery power part of the equation correct. Wilder kept getting back up until he stopped by his corner or the referee.
